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Hi, my name’s Ginnie and welcome to my blog all about Wales! I will be posting regular blogs to give you plenty of ideas of what you can get up to and what to expect when you visit our wonderful country. Get involved and follow the blog on Facebook!

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Mountain Biking Championships come to Snowdonia

Written by The Wales Cottage Holidays Team on
Sunday 23rdFeb 2014

Mountain biking in Wales is a hugely popular sport but the downhill variety really is something else!

Now Antur Stiniog, Wales’s newest downhill mountain biking centre, has been chosen to host the first round of this year’s British Mountain Biking Championships. The centre sits above Blaenau Ffestiniog in the heart of Snowdonia and is part of the Llechwedd Slate Caverns complex. The event is happening over the weekend of 29 and 30 March, when over 350 riders are expected to take part. It’s an exciting watch for spectators too - with a drop of a startling 250 metres over the 1.3 km double black run.

There are a number of downhill tracks in North Wales but Antur Stiniog is the only purpose-built centre with a full uplift service. Riders are taken up to the top of the course by minibus with their bikes on a trailer and then descend the runs. This adrenaline loaded sport is extremely competitive and riders find themselves plummeting down near vertical, often tree-lined and rocky courses. Antur Stiniog has only been open about 18 months but already more than 12,000 bikers have taken on its four trails. It’s in a stunning setting, attracting bike riders from all over the UK, with great views to the Rhinog Mountains and of Snowdon itself. Another round of the British Championships will be held near Llangollen on 28 and 29 June.